Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald 09-28-2023

Lantern flies cause a buzz in Sea Cliff

By WILL SHEELINE and DAN oFFNER Of the Sea Cliff-Glen Head Herald

The spotted lantern fly, an invasive species that feeds on plants and trees, has made its way to Long Island’s North Shore.

The species has been the focus of recent media attention and Sea Cliff’s Village Board discussed the issue at their Sept. 5 meeting.

A day of fundraising and golfing

The North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse held its second annual golf outing. Story, additional photos, Page 10.

A night at the theatre, for charity

North Shore Village Theatre presents ‘Love Letters’

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The North Shore Village Theatre is kicking off its fall season with an upcoming performance of the A. R. Gurney play “Love Letters.”

The local thespian troupe will use the performance to raise money for local food banks as well as helping the group save up to establish a permanent theater in the area.

The Village Theatre is a nonprofit community theater company made up of residents from Sea Cliff, Glen Cove, Glen Head and Glenwood Landing. Founded in 2018, the group had a handful of performances before the coronavirus pan-

demic shut down their live shows indefinitely, although they held a virtual variety show in 2020.

“Love Letters,” features two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, who sit side-by-side and read notes, letters and cards, never directly addressing the other. Over nearly 50 years, the two characters share their hopes, dreams and defeats with each other and the audience.

Jeanne Whelan, who plays Gardner, said that “Love Letters” reflects the development of relationships over time, from elementary school to Gardner’s and Ladd’s 50s. The Glen Cove resi-

all the trees in all nearby villages, and even if the trees were removed it would be no guarantee that the lantern flies would die out. The board instead discussed making more information available.

“Anyone that sees a lantern fly is supposed to contact the DEC directly,” Bruce Kennedy, the village administrator, said. “That way the DEC can see that there’s a real issue here, and maybe they can start to do something about it.”

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The focus was on how to limit the spread of the invasive insects, specifically the lantern flies’ attraction to “trees of heaven,” a species of tree native to China, the origin of lantern flies, but which has also been brought to Long Island. The board discussed potentially ripping up the trees, which board member Mark Sobel said was the recommendation of state and environmental organizations.

However, the board ultimately decided that measure would not be a realistic one, as without cross-municipality cooperation to ensure the removal of

To contact the DEC, email spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov with a photo of the insect or egg masses seen, along with the exact location, such as the address, intersecting roads or other landmarks. For more information, visit dec.ny.gov/animals/113303.html.

Donna Moramarco, the director of horticulture for the Planting Fields Foundation, explained that the spotted lantern fly poses a particular threat to agricultural crops as

Continued on page 4

Photo Courtesy Alison Camardella

Luxury living comes to Glenwood Landing

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Prospective residents of Glenwood Landing struggling to find a house now have a new place to turn. The Residences at Glen Harbor, a collection of 48 luxury condominiums, are available for purchase, offering potential property owners a chance to enjoy resort style living on Long Island’s Gold Coast.

Construction on the properties began at the beginning of 2017, and first came to the market in the middle of 2019. While the coronavirus pandemic slowed down the sale of the properties, and even took them off the market in 2020, sales have since picked up, and there are currently only 12 or 13 units left.

The size of the condos varies between 1,800 to 3,600 square feet, according to Jed Pavlin, the marketing and sales director for The Residences. Pavlin added that all the condos are made in the modern style with all of the amenities that one could expect if they were on vacation.

These include a pool and pool house, fitness centers, and lots of outdoor space, including a quarter-mile long boardwalk with a view of Hempstead Harbor. He also highlighted the fact that The Residences have a 24-hour concierge service and doorman as well as three porters on site

There is also a building super six days a week, in addition to a building manager. Pavlin said The Residences provide all the

services of a luxury resort, while also giving prospective owners the privacy and intimacy of any home.

“It’s a hassle, maintenance-free lifestyle,” Pavlin said. “You’re not dealing with snow removal, you’re not dealing with systems that are breaking down, you’re not repairing roof leaks, you’re not mowing lawns, it’s all done for you. So it’s really like living in a house on the water without the hassle of owning a home.”

Each condo costs between $1.5 and $3.5

million, depending on the unit’s size. Each also comes with two parking spots in the complex’s garage, and all are pet friendly.

Michael Stanco, an associate real estate broker representing the development, explained that The Residences are more than just condos, however. Pavlin said that one of the major benefits of purchasing one of the units is that by doing so, owners are buying into a community.

The Residences are a closed neighbor-

hood and include numerous shared public spaces for residents to take advantage of, such as the previously mentioned pool and fitness centers as well as fire pits, where Pavlin says barbecues are often held. An important goal of The Residences, Stanco said, is to foster their own local community, making sure the space feels more like a traditional neighborhood than a series of apartments.

“It’s inclusive, it’s like a big extended family,” Stanco said. “There are activities all month long, especially during the summer months, in the pool house where they have barbecues and music.”

Stanco and Pavlin both said there is currently a wide range of condo owners in terms of age. The buyers have mainly been young families with children and older couples who are looking to downsize now that their children have grown up and moved out.

Pavlin added that this has helped ensure that the owners are a close-knit community, as many referred their friends to The Residences. With frequent visits from children, grandchildren, parents and friends, he said that The Residences offer not just a place to sleep, but also a place to live.

“We have a very eclectic mix. We have some young families that have moved in, there are grandchildren and children here on the weekends that are playing, swimming,” Pavlin said. “It’s fun, young and full of energy.”

Courtesy Stanco Misiti Team

Each condominium at The Residences has a direct view of Hempstead Harbor.

Revival of Glen Cove Hospital continues

By LAURA LANE llane@liherald.com

Glen Cove Hospital is continuing its journey forward with renovations that are creating a renaissance of sorts to benefit patients, caregivers and the community. The latest improvement is the replacement of a wall on the first floor with an imaging reception room for patients and their families. Located a few steps away from the operating room, the reception room, with its offerings of coffee and tea, pale blue and white chairs, partial glass walls and soothing artwork, providing a serene environment for those having imaging and surgical procedures and their families.

The John and Diana Colgate Family Reception Area is phase one in the creation of an imaging center also to be named after the Colgates. They donated over $1 million to the project also raising an additional $2 million from their friends and family. In the past, the couple have supported the oncology department and renovations to GCH’s emergency department.

“We are immensely grateful to John and Diana Colgate for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to improving healthcare in our community,” said Kerri Ann Scanlan RN, the hospital’s executive director. “Their contribution has allowed us to create a state-of-the-art imaging center that will greatly enhance our ability to provide exceptional care to our patients.”

There are also plans for a new in-house MRI machine in February.

“It will be a state-of-the-art MRI with lower decibels, music and a heated table,” said Melonie Pernice, GCH’s associate executive director for hospital operations. “By having an MRI on site the diagnosis will be faster, which will be better for our patients and our communi-

ty. Even our employees will benefit because if they need an MRI they can come on their lunchbreaks.”

Currently, patients are transported to a nearby Northwell Health imaging center to have the testing performed. Having the new MRI and imaging waiting room will benefit them and their families.

“With the inception of the waiting area family members will be right there,” said Tamika Wallace, associate executive director of perioperative care, “so if a surgeon needs to speak to them, they are close by.”

Having their families so close is also a relief for the patients, she added. “They love it that their families are being taken care of and they don’t have to worry about them,” Wallace said.

“Having the Colgate Imaging Center for an MRI and the new reception center will provide world class care to our patients and the community we serve right in our own facility,” Scanlon said.

Scanlon said a new CAT scan, which will have a lower dose of radiation than the traditional machine, will also be arriving soon for GCH’s emergency room.

Photos courtesy Northwell Health

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Glen Cove Hospital for the John and Diana Colgate Family Reception Area on July 27.

The John and Diana Colgate Family Reception Area is steps away from Glen Cove Hospital’s operating room, allowing for doctors to speak to a patient’s family members in person.

W ith the inception of the waiting area family members will be right there so if a surgeon needs to speak to them, they are close by.

TAmikA WALLAcE associate executive director of perioperative care, Glen Cove Hospital

Residents encouraged to squash lantern flies

well, as they feed on crops such as hops, grapes, apples and other fruits, many of which are grown on Long Island and throughout the state. In addition, their waste, known as honeydew, is a sugary material that attracts sooty mold, a black fungus that can grow on anything from plants to furniture, although it is non-toxic.

“We basically tell people that if you see one, don’t be afraid to take it out because they do spread. One spotted lantern fly clutch can contain between 30 to 50 eggs,” Moramarco said. “So taking one out is, no pun intended, a step in the right direction.

The species was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 and quickly spread across the region, establishing populations in nearby states including Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.

To slow the spread to New York, the state issued an external quarantine in October 2018, restricting the movement of goods and vehicles from states where the flies are known to have populations.

“The goal of the quarantine we have implemented is to help reduce the opportunities these pests may have in hitching a ride on firewood, plants and other common outdoor items and entering our state in the first place,” Richard Ball, the state’s commissioner of agriculture, said in 2018.

with

A Baker’s

While the quarantine has helped slow their spread, by 2020 the lantern fly had made its way to Staten Island — the first center of infestation in the state — and it has since shown up on Long Island and parts of upstate New York.

Nymphs, or newly hatched lantern flies, have an almost ladybug-like appearance. They are red with black and white spots and can typically be seen from April through July.

They begin to transition from July through September and grow to roughly an inch long and a half-inch wide. They can be identified by their distinctive wings, which are covered in black spots.

In the fall, the adults lay inch-long egg masses on anything from tree trunks, rocks and vehicles to outdoor furniture and firewood.

Michael and Suzanne Ettinger Attorneys-at-Law

Dozen

Reasons to Use a Trust

1. Trusts can shield your assets from the high cost of home care making you eligible for home health aides through the Medicaid program.

2. Trusts start the five year “look-back” for institutional care, making you eligible for Medicaid benefits to pay for a nursing home.

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4. Trusts can provide who takes over if you become disabled – guaranteeing you get the person you choose instead of a court-appointed legal guardian.

5. Trusts can avoid a will contest from heirs you leave out or ones that receive less than they think they are entitled to.

6. Trusts give you immediate access to assets on death unlike wills which can take months and sometimes years to probate.

7. Trusts can provide supervision and protection for special needs and other children who have issues with handling financial matters.

8. Trusts can reduce and often eliminate estate taxes for couples with taxable estates.

9. Trusts can avoid guardianship proceedings for gifts made to grandchildren.

10. Trusts can avoid the problems of locating unknown heirs or dealing with heirs abroad.

11. Trusts can move assets out of your estate for income and estate purposes.

12. Trusts can avoid the expense, delay and publicity of a probate court proceeding for your property in New York and out of state.

13. Trusts can protect the inheritances you leave from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.

There seems to be little focus by the Town of Oyster Bay’s administration to address the issue. Brian Nevin, the town’s public information officer, released a statement saying that the town has offered public education on the issue, although he did not specify where the information was available.

“The spotted lantern fly is an invasive species and environmental advocates recommend that residents squash them to help prevent their spread in our community,” read the statement from Joseph Saladino, Oyster Bay supervisor.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, one way to detect an infestation is to look for trees that are oozing from a tiny open wound, which can appear wet and may give off a fermented odor or a gray trail on the bark. Infestations can cause wilting, defoliation, and plant death, and can damage a number of agricultural crops including apples, grapes, hops and walnuts.

Lantern flies excrete a sticky liquid waste while feeding, that promotes mold and negatively affects the growth and

Spotted lantern flies are an invasive species originally from China, which experts say should be squashed on sight.

yield of plants and fruits. The mold can interfere with a plant’s photosynthesis, attract swarms of insects that hinder humans’ outdoor activities, and spread to people’s hair and clothes.

According to the state agriculture department, New York produces more than 30 million bushels of apples each year, while the annual grape harvest is valued at over $50 million.

If you spot the egg masses around your property, dispose of them by scraping them into a plastic zippered bag filled with hand sanitizer or a bucket of hot, soapy water.

It is also recommended that residents inspect their yards for any signs of the pest, particularly at dusk and later in the evening when they tend to gather on tree trunks or the stems of plants.

For more information on the spotted lantern fly, the potential impact of the species on agriculture, insect lookalikes, and other frequently asked questions, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation or the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets online.

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Herald file photo

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

Youthful North Shore on serious roll

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

AvERy TESTA South Side Senior Soccer

IN HER FOURTH year as South Side’s starting goalkeeper, Testa is looking to add to an already impressive resume that includes a pair of county championships, a Long Island title, and a trip to the NYS finals. She was voted team MVP in 2021 when the Cyclones defeated East Islip for the LIC. She has earned Honorable Mention All-County as well as AllConference recognition, and has 20 career shutouts with a goals against average of 0.9.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Sept. 28

Boys Soccer: Kennedy at MacArthur 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: South Side at Elmont 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: V.S. North at V.S. South 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29

Boys Soccer: V.S. South at Lawrence 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Hewlett at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Wantagh at Clarke 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: V.S. Central at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Malverne/East Rock at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Carey at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Baldwin at Syosset 6:30 p.m.

Football: Seaford at Cold Spring Harbor 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Football: Westbury at Uniondale 2 p.m.

Football: Freeport at Hempstead 2 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at Oceanside 2 p.m.

Football: V.S. Central at East Meadow 2 p.m.

Football: East Rockaway at North Shore 2 p.m.

Football: Carey at Garden City 2 p.m.

Football: Mepham at Manhasset 2 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Lynbrook 2 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at Sewanhaka 2 p.m.

Football: Elmont at New Hyde Park 2 p.m.

Nomimate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and earned an All-Conference award or higher last year. Please send the following information for consideration: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Not only is North Shore boys’ soccer winning but the Sea Cliff/Glen Head team is doing so artistically.

After an 0-2 start, the Vikings have gone 6-0-1 in their last seven contests. In three games in three days last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, North Shore went 2-0-1, beating Island Trees and Clarke and tying powerhouse Manhasset in a nonleague game.

Filled with a slew of juniors and sophomores, North Shore’s game has been pleasing to the soccer connoisseur.

“We’re moving the ball around better than I can remember a North Shore team has done,” said coach Mike Bishop, an English teacher in his ninth soccer season. “We’re able to keep ball possession.’’

The Vikings are 6-2-1 heading into a rugged week against Plainedge this Wednesday after press time and a rematch against Locust Valley this Friday. Locust Valley beat North Shore in the season’s second game but the Vikings had a handful of ineligible players.

Last season, North Shore finished third in the conference but lost in the first round to Valley Stream North.

The Vikings have continued to roll despite their top goal scorer, junior striker Lino Leighton, missing the last 2 1/2 games with a high ankle sprain. He may return this week.

“Hopefully we go for a long run this year,’’ Leighton said. “We have the team to do it. We have a bunch of young playerssophomores and juniors. But even if we don’t go far this year, next year we’ll be a very deep team.’’

Leighton has punched in 7 goals and recorded 2 assists in just 5 ½ games. “He’s more of a midfielder but he’s able to take defenders on 1-on-1,’’ Bishop said. “He’s making goals happen from nothing - very individual efforts.’’

What is Leighton’s goal-scoring secret?

“When you get it in the box, don’t overthink it,’’ Leighton said. “Just try to get it on target and some will go in.’’

In his absence, sophomore forward Preston Samtani has stepped up, netting

two goals in the last two games, giving him five on the season. Junior Owen Jenson has five points.

The maroon’s current hot streak is equally mental as physical, according to Leighton.

“We’re just focusing in at practice and locking in before games,” Leighton said. “We’re getting the right mindset and not underestimating any opponents.’’

The Vikings have only three senior starters – none on offense. The two senior defenders are Matthrew Cianciulli and Matteo Maffetone with a senior in goal –Henrique Malaco.

Another improving defenseman is junior Lorenzo Recine. “We’re still trying to get the backline tighter,’’ Bishop said.

Junior Owen Jenson has contributed to North Shore’s seven-game unbeaten streak (6-0-1) with five points.

“I like the forwards and midfielders. The standout midfielders are Pinter Griffin, a team leader, and Henry Cardosa, a sophomore who is a “silky passer,’’ Bishop said.

Griffin, meanwhile, is all over the turf. ”He’s a box-to-box midfielder,’’ Bishop said. “He gets back all the time and breaks up plays. Next second, he’s up on the forward line and making passes. A tough, hard-nosed player.’’

The talent is there. The youth is the only concern. “I’m optimistic but cautiously optimistic,’’ Bishop said. “We’re pretty young. Last year we were young and we’re still young. But we’re playing better and better, shaping into a good side, going in the right direction.’’

Lung Force walk debuts on Long Island

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

More than 500 walkers are expected to test their lungs — and help others by defeating lung disease and improving lung health — with the inaugural Lung Force Walk on Long Island.

Set for a 9:30 a.m., start at Eisenhower Park, the American Lung Association-sponsored event is intended to raise awareness — and funds — for vital lung disease research, education and advocacy.

There also will be a range of activities and informational tents set up around Lot 6 to learn about lung health and lung disease. An opening ceremony will kick off the walk at 11 a.m., with routes of a mile and three miles. Afterward, walkers will be welcomed back with a barbecue in the park.

Since the campaign began in 2014, it has grown into a larger awareness and communication project, culminating in walks across the country. Participants walk for all impacted by chronic lung diseases — from cancer, to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

For the Eisenhower Park event, the local band from Acoustic Overlook will perform live music. Event speakers include Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu of Northwell Health, and lung cancer survivor Carol Silva.

Funds from the Lung Force Walk will support the lung association’s annual work in research, educational initiatives, and its advocacy work on state and federal levels.

Emily Amitin, a development director with the lung association’s metro New York and Northern/Central New Jersey area, says the Lung Force Walk came about when organizers realized many people didn’t know how dangerous some lung inflictions — especially cancer — are.

“Through a lot of our surveying, we realized that

while cancer was top of mind for individuals, people don’t know that it’s the number one cancer killer nationwide of both men and women,” Amitin said. “Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. It’s not just a smoker’s disease.”

Next year, New York City will host its 10th annual Lung Force Walk. Its debut on Long Island came after the organizers noticed a large number of participants from the Manhattan event actually came from Long Island.

“It only makes sense to bring the community that brings a groundswell of support their own event,” Amitin said. “We see participation in these events from a range of people who’ve been affected by lung cancer, COPD, asthma, and a range of health conditions — or people that simply care about clean air.”

Touching on awareness about healthy lungs, Hewlett High School students Daniel Tkach and Ryan Weinman started their own New York chapter of the organization For Future Lungs last spring. The parent organization seeks to promote the risks associated with smoking and tobacco use for teens, and promote events dedicated to discussing the risks of tobacco.

Throughout the summer, the two 16-year-olds actively collaborated with an array of organizations, including the American Lung Association. They worked together to create a website, and got involved with a fundraiser that will ultimately benefit the lung association.

They also host a podcast online intended to help spread awareness about the harms of smoking, and how it affects mental health.

Tkach and Weinman will bring a representative from the Nassau County health department to the Lung Force Walk, educating participants about the detrimental effects of smoking.

Suzanne Vo is the development coordinator locally for the lung association, and was the Tkach and Weinman’s

Want to go?

Registration for the inaugural Lung Force Walk Long Island — set for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Eisenhower Park — is free. To learn more, visit LungForce.org/longisland.

first contact when they sought to collaborate.

“Ryan and Daniel email me every day,” Vo said. “Since it’s a larger organization that was started on the west cxoast, they wanted to bring it to the east coast and into their high school to get more students involved.”

In the meantime, the teen duo are working with the lung association to plan a school presentation after the Lung Force Walk about vaping and other lung diseases.

“It takes some time out, but we’re doing it for a good cause,” Tkach said. “If it’s going to result in us staying up an extra hour or two in addition to our schoolwork and everything else we have going on in our lives, that’s totally fine.”

The New York City walk saw 1,000 people participate, raising $275,000. The Long Island walk wants to raise $110,000, and is on track to exceed that goal.

It’s not very often students reach out directly, and Amitin commends the Hewlett teens for taking the lead on these important health issues.

“Within schools, requests to come into and work with students usually come from the administration,” Amitin said. “The fact that these students are taking it upon themselves is unique for us, at least for the metro New York program. I think it’s very encouraging to see people taking action and recognizing the issue.”

Honoring heroes with ‘humanitarian spirit’

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The American Red Cross is known for being there when people need them most, but even those heroes have heroes of their own. And on Thursday, Oct. 26, the Long Island chapter will celebrate those who have taken extraordinary actions to save lives and perform unselfish and extraordinary acts to help their communities.

It’s all part of the Long Island Heroes Celebration, set to begin at 6:30 p.m., at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. There, the Red Cross will honor Kevin Rivera of Uniondale, Barbara and Robbie Donno of Plandome Manor, and First Quality Enterprises.

Headquartered in New York City, the Greater New York Region of the American Red Cross has served more than 12 million people for a century not just in the city and on Long Island, but also in Rockland and Westchester counties, as well as Greenwich, Connecticut.

“The Long Island Heroes Celebration is an opportunity for us to recognize members in the community who really reflect the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross,” said Desiree Ramos Reiner, the chief external affairs officer for the Greater New York Region. “We like to take this moment to really recognize people who live on Long Island, or who have companies on Long Island, and really make a difference in people’s lives every day.”

Rivera, a former Amazon driver from Uniondale, is being hailed a hero for coming to the rescue of a Syosset family during a house fire last year. He had just made his final delivery and was driving away when he noticed a small fire near the front entrance of a neighboring home.

He pulled over to call 911, but when he took a closer look, he saw a woman holding a child inside the house — completely unaware of the danger that was quickly spreading. When Rivera got to the front entrance, he

frantically knocked before breaking the door down.

Once inside, Rivera realized the woman and child were not alone, so he rushed to pull everyone outside. Despite a language barrier, Rivera led the six occupants and two dogs to safety through thick black smoke, and the sounds of windows breaking and wood cracking around them.

Rivera — who will be awarded a Good Samaritan Hero — said he hopes to one-day contact the family to see how they’ve been since the fire.

First Quality — a manufacturer of household paper,

Want to go?

The Long Island Heroes Celebration takes place Thursday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m., at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, in Garden City. Tickets start at $300. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/LIHeroes.

adult, feminine, and baby care products — has been a committed Red Cross supporter for more than a decade, contributing to unprecedented disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Harvey, and recently supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021 and Hurricane Ian in 2022.

The Donnos reflect the humanitarian spirit of the American Red Cross because they have dedicated their lives to service. They serve the community through elected office and also through the education system.

Prior to her tenure as mayor, Barbara was a member of the Manhasset School District education board, leading as its president for four years. She is also a former elementary school teacher.

Robbie is the co-founder and chair of Gift of Life, which provides life-saving operations for more than 2,000 people each year. The couple also helps treat children with health ailments in 80 countries, and have a partnership with more than 300 Rotary clubs in order to support these children.

“They really have such a deep commitment to the community and to bringing people together to make a difference,” Reiner said. “They personify the work of the Red Cross.”

Courtesy American Red Cross, Long Island chapter Kevin Rivera of Uniondale rescued people from a burning house. He is one of three honorees who will be celebrated by the Long Island chapter of the American Red Cross at its Long Island Heroes Celebration.

CASA’s board of directors organized the second ever CASA CARES

NS CASA hosts 2nd Annual Golf Outing

Over 150 golfers and diners joined in to support youth wellness at the 2nd annual CASA CARES Golf Outing at the Brookville Country Club on Aug. 28. Golfers enjoyed three square meals and auctions.

“Our Board of Directors could not be more pleased with the support that we received for our second annual golf outing,” Alison Camardella, CASA president, said. “Not only did our attendees have a fabulous day, but they learned more about North Shore CASA’s mission to reduce youth substance abuse in our community. The money raised helps to ensure that our coalition can continue to bring substance use education and prevenetion services to both our kids and parents.”

Golfers like Peter Figoni, left, and James Versocki got the chance to play at the Brookville Country Club.

Diners such as Alex Alafogiannis, left, Maria Sfakianos and Kristen Frankel skipped the golf to enjoy a meal and auction.

Photos courtesy Alison Camardella

By participating in the event, golfers like Shane Dommin, left, Chris Scot, Lora Cusumano and Bruce Kennedy got to enjoy the day and help out a good cause.

Golf Outing.

STEPPING OUT

Momix’s Alice

He’s king of the neighborhood

Leaps from screen to stage

See Alice in Wonderland as you never have before. Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic, and whimsy, Momix Dance Co., will send you flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, Alice. You’ll be taken on a mind-bending adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic, ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Alice encounters time-honored characters, including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts, and a variety of other surprises. Filled with visual splendor and startling creative movement, Alice reveals that nothing in Momix’s world is as it seems. As with every Momix production, you never quite know what you are going to get. Audiences will be taken on a journey that is both magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric, and much more. As Alice falls down the rabbit hole and experiences every kind of transformation, so will you.

STEPPING OUT

By Karen Bloom

Creative advocacy

t always turns out to be a beautiful day in the neighborhood when Daniel Tiger and his friends welcome families into their world. The latest stage show, based on PBS’s acclaimed long running hit series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” arrives at Tilles Center on Oct. 14. For those who may need a refresher, the pint-sized tiger in the familiar red sweater is actually the “son” of the original Daniel the Tiger who appeared on the beloved “Mister

The stage production, along with the PBS series, certainly resonates with families, just as the original Mister Rogers did for so many parents now sharing the “neighborhood” with their kids. Many of the same (or similar) characters — including King Friday, O the Owl (X the Owl’s “nephew”) Mr. McFeely — and songs continue to delight.

“Anyone who watched Mister Rogers as a kid will feel right at home,” Lupacchino says. “Yet, it’s also thoroughly modern for today’s generation. In this tale, the audience follows along with Daniel and his friends through a school day, their lessons, and different activities.”

Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100, or TillesCenter.org.

Ben Folds

Pat McGann

the Roger’s Neighborhood.” day.

By Karen Bloom

In this modern makeover, Daniel and his friends are involved in a new adventure in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, where Daniel learns just what it takes to be king. New songs, a lively story, and surprise guests captivate the preschool set as Daniel finds out there’s more to being king than being powerful. In this tale, goodness and friendship rule the day.

“Our story is all about kindness, and we need that now more than ever — especially after the last three years,” says Amanda Lupacchino, who commands the show as Daniel. “This is a wonderful honor to Mister Rogers, and I’m so

It ends with a “school performance” with all the characters — What Lupacchino describes as her favorite moment.

• Saturday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m.

• Tickets start at $30.60; available at DanielTigerLive. com or TillesCenter.org

• Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post

• 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead. For information and to RSVP, call (516) 463-5672, or visit Hofstra.edu/museum

“Daniel and his classmates put on a ‘play within a play.’ It takes pieces of their journey and brings everything together in a way that’s joyous and meaningful. I walk away with a lot of joy.”

In fact, more than joy. Her character’s relationship with her young audience brings her to tears.

proud to be a part of it. and collaboration.”

“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines the collective power of the arts in society.

“I love experiencing it all with the kids. At the end of every show, I‘m crying. The kids sing with me and blow me kisses. I just live for that. My connection with them all is truly special.”

Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.

“Fred Rogers left behind a legacy that’s incomparable. One of inclusivity, kindness, love Lupacchino, 32, caught on to Mister Rogers as a child.

From the moment everyone hears “Do you want to make-believe with me?” you know you’ve arrived in that special Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

Pat McGann is quickly rising as of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.

Dancing and performing since she’s been young, she’s come full circle now.

“I truly feel the connection,” she says. Based in New York City, she’s been charming audiences as Daniel since she joined the show in December 2018.

“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them.”

“Expect a lot of singing and dancing, and interactive moments with all the characters,” Lupacchino says. “Plus you’ll leave in good spirits — and filled with love.”

Indie icon and National Symphony Orchestra artistic advisor Ben Folds visits Long Island on the heels of his recently released What Matters Most. Folds says his first full-length studio album in eight years is his most ‘true’ to date. ‘There’s a lifetime of craft and experience all focused into this one record,’ Folds explains. ‘Sonically, lyrically, emotionally — I don’t think it’s an album I could have made at any other point in my career.’ One of the major music influencers of our generation, Folds’ body of genrebending music includes a string of classic albums with Ben Folds Five and a glorious mix of collaborations and special projects. He takes success in stride and continues to be the humble musician he was been for so many decades. A self-confessed enigma, he prefers to stay out of the limelight, except when touring — but can easily claim credit for some of music’s most unlikely trends.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com ParamountNY.com.

Monday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. $99.50 $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 7453000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.

Courtesy Mills Entertainment Daniel Tiger, O the Owl, Miss Elaina, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, and more familiar friends welcome everyone join them as Daniel becomes King for a Day.

Can art change the world? It’s a question that’s been at the focus of our collective culture for centuries. Now as society navigates the complexities of modern life, art as a path for social change is at the forefront of artistic expression.

Oysters and more

Suzanne Vega

Acclaimed as a masterful storyteller, the singersongwriter visits the Landmark stage, Friday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m., for “An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories.” She will be joined on stage by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, performing a career-spanning show including favorites like Tom’s Diner, Luka, and more. Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been called contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she has given sold-out concerts in many of the world’s best-known venues. Known for performances that convey deep emotion, Vega’s distinctive, “clear, unwavering voice” (Rolling Stone) has been described as “a cool, dry sandpaper-brushed near-whisper” by The Washington Post, with NPR Music noting that she “has been making vital, inventive music” throughout the course of her decades-long career. Bearing the stamp of a storyteller who “observes the world with a clinically poetic eye” (The New York Times), Vega’s songs have tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and real-world subjects. Notably succinct and understated, her work is immediately recognizable — as utterly distinct and thoughtful $195 and $99 premium VIP packages, $61, $51, $41. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Oct. 6

On exhibit

View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” at Nassau County Museum of Art. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re-defined the art of portraiture, the show includes his masterworks along with paintings and drawings by his Parisian contemporaries (Picasso, van Dongen, Laurencin). Modigliani’s enduring influence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important figures as David Hockney, Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Peyton and others. The exhibition is being curated by Dr. Kenneth Wayne, founder of The Modigliani Project, which authenticates paintings and drawings (two of the works in the show have been recently approved by the committee). Through Nov. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

The Oyster Festival, known throughout the region for its fun mixture of new activities and old favorites that are certain to entertain the entire family including live entertainment, ships, top-notch artisans, pirate shows, midway rides, and the iconic oyster eating and shucking contest. And of course, the food court, where volunteer chefs and culinary pros work side by side, cooking and serving dozens of unique oyster, clam and other seafood concoctions along with traditional festival fare. Festivities take place throughout Oyster Bay’s downtown, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1415. Visit TheOysterFestival.org for information.

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture,” now back on-site at Nassau County Museum of Art, Thursday, Oct. 19 , 1 p.m. Enjoy an in-depth presentation on the current exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program and to join the 2 p.m. public tour of the exhibit. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Art classes

Nassau County Museum of Art

welcomes those interested in improving their art skills or those who simply want to explore their creativity to participate in one of their many stimulating classes. The fall schedule includes Watercolor Florals: Beginner to intermediate levels (adults and teens 16+), Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Nov. 2-Dec. 14.

$300, $270 members. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. For information and to register visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9338.

Trivia show

Enjoy drinks and a free trivia show in a cozy atmosphere, every Wednesday, at 7 p.m., at Campground Craft Beer Market in Sea Cliff. Tango Time Trivia shows are fun and free to play, and the winner gets a prize. Hosts bring the energy, jokes, good music and fun to help unwind after work. Bring your friends, co-workers and family. Campground serves a wide range of delicious craft beers and warm finger foods to enjoy while competing for first place. 208 Sea Cliff Ave. Visit Campgroundbeer.com for information.

Sept.

An inspired concert Conductor-composer

Steven Sametz directs

The Princeton Singers in “Inspirations,” a program of diverse musical selections, Adelphi’s Performing Arts Center stage, Saturday, Sept. 30, 4 p.m. They have captivated audiences and listeners for 40 years through their versatile musicianship.

Inspirations is a look at how contemporary composers take their inspiration from chant, carnival songs, and spirituals, including works by Josquin des Prez, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, Steven Sametz, and Adelphi faculty member Sidney Boquire. $35. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.

Having an event?

Tribute concert

Plaza Theatricals continues its tribute series, Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., with “Portrait of Aretha.” CeCe Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of both popular and lesser-known songs from this 18-Grammy-Awardwinning icon’s 50-year career, including “Chain of Fools,” “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” “Rock Steady,” and “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do).” It’s performed at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, Sept. 29, noon-1 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 2, noon-1 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 4-5, noon-1 p.m. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families who don’t want to be scared — or maybe just a little. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up, Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more. Get your fortune told, make a craft and danceg with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the new Amazing Glow tent. For those who want to get a little scared, venture into the Dino Woods. Be on the lookout for the Zombie Robotic Dinosaurs. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for more information.

Library Walking Club

Participate in Glen Cove Public Library’s at-your-own-pace hour walk, every Thursday, at 9:15 a.m. All fitness levels are welcome and attendees are encouraged to walk at their own pace, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove. Register at GlencCoveLbrary.org or call (516) 6762130 for more information.

Quarter page 5.04 x 6.291

Long Island Heroes Celebration

Thursday, October 26, 2023 | 6:30 p.m. Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City, NY

A cupful of good health

Getting to the bottom of a cup of tea

Tea may taste good and be especially soothing on a cool day, but there are also many medical benefits to this drink.

Tea is an ancient beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries thanks to its healing benefits. An estimated three billion cups of tea are consumed across the globe every day, with many people looking to tea when they are sick or to prevent illness.

Your life — your way

This month is the time to celebrate life and turn over a new leaf. September is Healthy Aging Month, a month dedicated to helping individuals gain a more positive outlook about growing older.

The core message here applies to everyone at all ages: build a foundation early on with the principles of good health for well being throughout your life.

Do you ever wake up and think “Wow, I don’t feel as young as I used to?” It’s a sentiment shared by people of every age group. Fortunately, it doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 60 feeling fit and aging well can be a reality with the right mindset and proper exercise and nutrition.

Young adults: Up to age 30

Starting a career, getting married, perhaps even buying a home these are just a few big life events people in this age category often experience. It also means less time to focus on fitness, and often an increase in unhealthy eating on the go.

Physical activity: Young adults should do what they enjoy most, fitting it in on a regular basis, suggests Tavis Piattoly, a sports dietitian and nutritionist.

Nutrition: “The metabolic rate of this age group is declining, so they can’t live on fast food for breakfast, lunch and dinner like they did in college,” Piattoly says.“It’s time to clean up the diet and make smarter choices such as reducing sugar intake and avoiding fast food as much as possible. Prevention should be the focus.”

Supplements: A multivitamin and probiotic supplements can also be helpful, according to Piattoly.

Middle age: 30 to 50

Regular checkups with a physician are more important than ever now. The stress of having children and growing a career can take a toll. Eating out due to lack of time becomes common and can cause weight gain.

Physical activity: Regular strength training three to five days per week to prevent the progression of muscle loss that begins around age 35, according to Piattoly.

“For cardiovascular-related exercises, it is important to do what you enjoy as you are more likely to stay motivated and consistent,” he says. “Yoga is recommended for those individuals who are looking to balance stress.”

Nutrition: “It’s important to eat smaller more frequent meals throughout the day, such as every three to four hours, and to make sure a source of lean protein is includ-

ed at every meal and snack,” Piattoly says.“Protein is more thermogenic than fat and carbohydrates, so your body burns more calories when consuming protein.”

Supplements: In addition what is recommended for the young adult group, Piattoly suggests vitamin D and turmeric extract, a great natural anti-inflammatory agent, for 30 to 50-year-olds.

Boomers: 50 plus

People of this age are concerned with their health and risk for disease due to family history or lifestyle factors from their youth. Additionally, progressive loss of muscle mass and weaker bones increases risk for injury.

Physical activity: Regular strength training three to five days per week prevents the progression of muscle loss and maintains good bone strength to prevent falls, Piattoly recommends. “For cardiovascular-related exercises, it is important to do what you enjoy as you are more likely to stay motivated and consistent,” he says. “You can still participate in cardiovascular-related sports like tennis and basketball. For lower-impact sports that are easier on the joints, I like swimming and cycling.”

Nutrition: “Since the immune system is not as strong as it once was for this age group, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key, such as five to 10 servings per day,” Piattoly says.“Protein is also a critical nutrient for the preservation of muscle mass. I usually recommend making a smoothie or shake at least once a day, which can include protein powder, fruit and some veggies.”

Supplements: A vitamin D supplement for bone health and, potentially, calcium for osteoporosis, and creatine to reduce the risk of age-related muscle decline are worthwhile considerations.

For all ages

Adopt a healthy routine. The longest living folks tend to have a fondness for daily and weekly routines. Routines that feature healthy diets, exercise and connecting with others are key. However, one study found 75 percent make it a point to laugh or giggle everyday and 60 percent meditate or practice some spiritual activity each day.

As popular as tea has become, certain misconceptions about tea have spread over the years. Read on to learn more about what’s in your cup.

Myth: Different tea varieties come from different types of tea plants.

Fact: Commercial tea comes only from the leaves of the camelia sinensis plant. Different methods of processing determine which variety of tea is produced. Black and oolong tea develops from oxidizing and fermenting tea leaves, while green tea is produced by steaming wilted leaves.

Myth: Adding milk to tea negates the health benefits.

Fact: According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the same amount of catechins, which are antioxidants associated with a reduced risk of some diseases, can be absorbed tea that contains milk as tea that does not.

Myth: Anything with the name “tea” is true tea.

Fact: Only tea from tea plants constitutes real tea. Herbal varieties of tea are actually tisanes made from flowers and bark of other plants.

Myth: Fruits and vegetables contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than tea.

Fact: Research indicates that tea has about 10 times the amount of antioxidants of vegetables and fruit. Individuals who consume reduced-calorie diets often find tea that is a good, no-calorie source of antioxidants.

Myth: Antioxidants can turn back aging.

Fact: Antioxidants may contribute to personal longevity, but they cannot reverse signs of aging. Antioxidants have been known to neutralize free radicals in the body that can contribute to many different diseases, including various forms of cancer.

Myth: Tea never goes bad.

Fact: It may take some time for properly stored tea to spoil, but the level of antioxidants in tea does begin to diminish after a few months. Research by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry indicates catechins in green tea decrease by 32 percent in just six months. Tea is most beneficial to human health when it is consumed within six months of its production.

Myth: Tea has much less caffeine than coffee.

Fact: The amount of caffeine in tea can vary. The average amount of caffeine in tea ranges from 14 to 61 mg per eight-ounce cup. Coffee, on the other hand, can contain between 27 and 200 mg per serving.

Myth: Hot tea is better for you than cold tea.

Fact: As long as the tea is steeped in water long enough, both hot and cold tea provide the same bang for your buck.

Live longer, live better

Photo: Get off that couch. Research proves that the equation is pretty simple: sitting for long bouts of time = a shorter lifespan and other health risks.

Photo:Regarded for thousands of years in the East as a key to good health, happiness, and wisdom, tea has caught the attention of researchers in the West, who are discovering the many health benefits of different types of teas.

Parker Jewish Institute’s President & CEO Michael N. Rosenblut honored with the 2023 Humanitarian Award by Voices for Truth and Humanity

Wednesday, Sept. 27.

Voices for Truth and Humanity promotes U.S. public-school education about the Holocaust, slavery, and genocide. The organization aims to fight hatred against Jews as well as all bigotry. These values resonate with the Parker community. Since its inception in 1914, Parker has stood for inclusion, aiding New York’s most vulnerable population, including immigrants and older adults. That tradition remains steadfast at Parker, a culturally rich institution that welcomes people of all backgrounds, whether they are patients, residents or team members.

gender, race, ethnicity, geography, or sexual orientation.

Under Mr. Rosenblut’s direction, Parker embraces diversity and meritocracy, where team members boost their skill sets through education and mentorship. Parker focuses on service, where staff takes pride in exceeding expectations of the Institute’s patients, residents and their families, treating everyone with respect.

On Wednesday, Mr. Rosenblut said he was honored to accept this recognition from Voices for Truth and Humanity.

The Parker Jewish Institute is pleased to announce that its President and CEO Michael N. Rosenblut was recognized with the Humanitarian Award by Voices for Truth and Humanity. The honor was presented to Mr. Rosenblut at the 4th Annual Remembrance Awards dinner, at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on

Parker is now home to an Indian Cultural Unit, the first of its kind, serving East and West Indian older adults in the region. Through a grant from the Jewish Federation of North America, Parker recently deployed its Hope and Healing program. This innovative program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by family caregivers of older adults with dementia and a history of trauma, regardless of their age,

“I am very humbled to receive the 2023 Humanitarian Award,” Mr. Rosenblut said. “As leaders, we all have a role to play in fighting hate in all forms. Educating our children and leading by example, is the best insurance against a repeat of the atrocities of the past. Thank you Voices for Truth and Humanity for this truly distinguished honor.”

About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered

HEALTH MEMO

in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patientcentered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), led by an interdisciplinary team of experienced Nephrologists and Dialysis Registered Nurses, a Renal Social Worker, and a Registered Renal Dietitian.

Queens Long Island Renal Institute provides dialysis patients care, safety and convenience

The award-winning Queens Long Island Renal Institute focuses on care, safety and convenience for kidney dialysis patients in the New York metropolitan area. Located in the lobby level of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation with its own entrance, the center provides care to Parker’s residents and patients as well as to the general public.

Queens Long Island Renal Institute offers the finest quality of care, state-of-the-art technology and uncompromised dignity, in a bright, ultramodern and comfortable setting.

The center is a certified 5-Diamond Status Facility, and is recognized for its demonstrated commitment to quality improvement by building and promoting a culture of patient safety. To earn this status, dialysis facilities must apply for the recognition each year. They must complete the program’s Culture of Safety module each year. A facility’s entire staff - including dieticians, management, nurses, medical directors, social workers and technicians - must participate in the program in order to qualify.

Licensed by the New York State Department of Health, QLIRI is led by a dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced nephrologists and dialysis registered nurses, a

renal social worker, and a registered renal dietitian. The team is ready to meet the individual needs of dialysis patients and families, and provides individual and family health education, as well as nutritional counseling and social work services.

QLIRI is outfitted with an in-center chronic hemodialysis. It features comfortable, state-of-theart, private treatment stations with personal TVs. There is also a homelike reception area with a large-screen TV as well as free wireless access. It

accommodates stretchers, and offers valet parking.

“With Queens Long Island Renal Institute conveniently located in Parker’s first-floor lobby, we continue to safely and comfortably meet the needs of our patients and residents, as well as members of the New York community who also benefit from our services,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation.

About Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, which is headquartered in New Hyde Park, is a leading provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical department, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Social Adult Day Care, Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice.

Michael N. Rosenblut Parker Jewish Institute’s President & CEO

Santos supports Menendez’s right to due process

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

During the summer, Congressman George Santos sought a venue to hold a town hall meeting with constituents, but his attempts to schedule those public meetings in Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay were denied.

On Sept. 15 he announced a town hall to be held on Sept. 22 at the Westbury Public Library. The event was cancelled “due to Congress being in session,” Pat Young, Santos’ press secretary wrote in an email.

When asked by The Point whether a new date has been set, Young replied, “Not yet.”

Ironically, right after Santos cancelled the public meeting, Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he hoped to keep members in Washington for a weekend session regarding the GOP threat of a partial government shutdown that would begin on Oct. 1. Chaos ensued, and McCarthy decided not to call them into session until Sept. 25.

Santos has been at the center of controversy since allegations surfaced of him

falsifying his background during his campaign. The embattled lawmaker currently faces 13 federal criminal charges related to alleged financial crimes, but he’s not the only elected official facing indictment charges.

Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, and his wife, have joined Santos, charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right. The bribes the couple received include “cash, gold bars, payments toward a home mort-

gage, compensation for a low-orno-show job, a luxury vehicle and other items of value,” the indictment alleges. Prosecutors allege that Menendez, along with his wife, Nadine, accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to assist three New Jersey businessmen and interests in Egypt. Federal authorities found nearly $500,000 in cash and $100,000 in gold at the couple’s residence during a raid last year, the alleged payment for the bribes.

Santos said the senator should not resign from his position amid the recent indictment on federal charges.

“He’s innocent until proven guilty,” Santos initially told NBC News Capitol Hill correspondent Julie Tsirkin at the U.S. Capitol. “The media has to stop acting like everybody is guilty before they’re even judged by a jury. So, no, I think everybody is innocent until proven guilty. When did we walk away from the fabric of our Constitution that everybody has a presumption of innocence before anything else? So, no, I don’t think he should resign.”

In an unlikely alignment, Democrat Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Santos were quick to offer support for the embattled senator to stay in office even as fellow Democrats, led by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, called for his resignation.

Both Santos and Menendez have denied the charges against them and insisted they will not resign as their separate cases play out in the courts. They have both echoed the sentiment that their calls for resignation are akin to a “smear campaign.”

The news surrounding Menendez financial entanglements seems to have overshadowed Santos missed deadline to submit a key financial disclosure report to the House Committee on Ethics, a monthslong delay the embattled New York Republican blamed on his federal taxes and the desire to avoid inaccuracies in the findings. The disclosure is meant to provide a public snapshot of the representative’s personal finances.

In an emailed statement to the Associated Press, Santos acknowledged being tardy, but said he would “rather be late, accurate and pay the fine than be on time, inaccurate, and suffer the consequences of a rushed job.”

He received a 90-day extension for the House financial disclosure in May, and then missed the due date in August. At the time, he said he planned to file the disclosure within a 30-day grace period permitted by the federal government.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has said he won’t support Santos in his bid for re-election, but has not called for Santos to resign, saying he believed in due process. However, McCarthy has called for Menendez’ resignation.

GeORGe SANtOS

Proceeds going to three local charities in G.C.

Continued from page 1

dent added that she wanted to act in it for some time, and had even been told about it by Matthew Broderick.

“(Love Letters) is just this relationship that is expressed in these letters that has a lot of depth and is very heartwarming,” Whelan said. “It speaks to the changes to the dynamics of love that can happen at different points in our lives. So it really is a beautifully written play.”

Christopher Moll, the theatre’s artistic director and co-founder, explained that the idea to do the play came about from conversations he had had with Whelan and Andrew Bennett, who plays Ladd. Moll is the drama club advisor at Robert Finley Middle School in Glen Cove, where Whelan’s son Leo and Bennett’s son Parker participated in drama.

After a performance by the drama club two years ago, Moll said he was approached by the two boys who told him their respective parents were actors and that they wanted to do a play with him. Although the pandemic had put the Village Theatre’s performances on hold, the three said that they didn’t stop thinking about performing “Love Letters” until they were able to produce it this year.

While planning the show, Moll, Bennett and Whelan decided to turn the event into a three-part fundraiser. Each of them chose a charity to donate a third of the money raised.

Whelan decided to donate to The Fellowship Café at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s, a monthly food service program. The second charity, chosen by Bennett, is NOSH Deliver’s, Inc., a free food distribution service charity based in Glen Cove.

Moll said that he chose the Village Theatre for his charity, setting aside funds to help with the nonprofit organization’s long-term goal of building a

Public Notices

community culture center and theater in downtown Glen Cove.

“They both really wanted to perform this show and they didn’t need to be paid to do it, so we just thought the best route would be to donate to local charities,” Moll said. “We’ve had a couple of fundraisers and with “Love Letter,” the money that we make will go to that goal again.”

The show, directed by screenwriter and playwright Fred Stroppel of Glen Cove, has been an interesting experience to prep for due to the lack of props and the reliance on the skill of only two actors, Bennett said. He added that the show really puts the focus on the performance of the actors and their chemistry.

Both he and Whelan have been acting for decades, although neither has pursued acting since the early 2000’s. Whelan was part of a small theatre company called “A Small Company in America” in the 1990s, while Bennett was a theatre major at SUNY Binghamton, and later started two theater companies in Manhattan before leaving the industry to pursue a career in education.

Bennett and Whelan added that they had both been very interested in doing the play for a while and were excited to get the chance to act again.

“(Love Letters) really makes me laugh, makes me cry, it makes me go through basically every emotion in the hour and a half that it takes to get through the play,” Bennett said. “One of the things for me to look forward to is none of my three kids have ever seen me act, so this is a way or me to put myself out there and show them what used to be my whole life.”

“Love Letters” will be performed at Glenwood Life Center, 71 Grove St., Glenwood Landing on Oct. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, which are $25, visit nsvillagetheatre.com.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY,

IN

ITS

FSB, NOT

INDIVIDUAL

CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VERUS SECURITIZATION TRUST 2020-NPL1, Plaintiff, vs. SCPD MIDWOOD LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 26, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1 Motts Lane a/k/a 1 Motts Place, Glenwood Landing, NY 11547. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 20, Block P and Lot 63. Approximate amount of judgment is $911,905.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608838/2021. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 200541-1 141726

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. ELM LIMITED, LLC., Pltf. vs. JOHN KEMPSKI, NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER, Defts. Index #606054/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered August 18, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 24, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. prem. k/a Section 22, Block F01, Lot 298. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. RON FERRARO, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #100737 142077

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matters:

Agency:Planning Board, Village of Sea Cliff

Date: October 11, 2023

Time:7:00 pm

Place:Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York

Subject:Application of Vladamir Polezhayev, 13 Club Road, Sea Cliff, New York, for a permit pursuant to Village Code Chapter 64 to construct PVC fencing. Premises are designated as Section 21, Block 45, Lot 28 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.

Application of 14 Bay Avenue LLC, 14 Bay Avenue, Sea Cliff, for site plan approval pursuant to Village Code Chapter 107 to construct a new house and related improvements, and a permit to construct retaining walls in excess of 4 feet in height pursuant to Village Code Chapter 64. Premises are designated as Section 21, Block 127, Lot 315 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.

Application of EDA Post Avenue Family Limited Partnership, 198 15th Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York, for site plan approval pursuant to Village Code Chapter 107 to construct a boathouse. Premises are designated as Section 21, Block F, Lot 910 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matters. All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York, during regular business hours.

Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at, or participation in, the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

Dated: September 25, 2023

Said hearing is to be held on October 17, 2023 at the Village Hall, 18 Horse Hill Road, Brookville, New York at 6:30 P.M. At said time and place interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. By Order of the Board of Trustees.

Winsome Citarella Village Clerk Treasurer September 22, 2023

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LEGAL NOTICE CITATION SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

By the Grace of God Free and Independent

TO: Grassi & Co., Attorney General of the State of New York, Jasper Surety, Allen Meltzer as Executor of the estate of Irving Meltzer, Frieda Jonas, Rozanne Block, Ilene Milowe, Marilyn Lindworm Bair, Joseph Lindworm, Marcia Weiner Metzcus, Michael Weiner, Diane Alonso, and any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-at-law and next-ofkin of the said Marilyn M. Shapiro, deceased, and if any of the said distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained

A petition having been duly filed by Public Administrator of Nassau County, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501, United States.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED

TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on November 15, 2023, at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why the account of Public Administrator of Nassau County, a summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Marilyn M. Shapiro, should not be judicially settled.

[X] Further relief sought (if any):

expenses of the office in the amount of $ 14,089.46 pursuant to SCPA 1207(4);

3. Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees and disbursements of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $ 81,436.42 as and for legal fees and disbursements, of which $ 31,436.42 has been paid and $ 50,000.00 is unpaid;

4. Fixing and determining the accounting fees of Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $6,713.75 of which $ 713.75 has been paid and $ 6,000.00 is unpaid;

5. Releasing and discharging the surety;

6. Directing each of you claiming to be a distributee of the Decedent to establish proof of your kinship, and show cause why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Marilyn M. Shapiro, decedent, should said alleged distributees default herein or fail to establish proof of kinship; and further directing that the share determined to be payable to Estate of Frieda Lubing, if any, be deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Frieda Lubing, post deceased alleged distributee, should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship; and

7. Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper.

Dated, Attested, and Sealed, September 15, 2023

Seal HON.

HON. MARGARET C. REILLY

Margaret C. Reilly, Surrogate

s/ Debra Keller Leimbach, Chief Clerk

Richard T. Kerins, Esq. Attorney Name Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC

Firm

(516) 538-1111 Telephone

254 Nassau Blvd. , Garden City South, New York 11530

Address

IF HEREBY

that a public hearing will be held by and for the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Brookville to consider the advisability of entering into a 5-year fire protection contract with the Jericho Fire District.

1. Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility and accountability as to all matters set forth in the account of proceedings;

2. Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $ 44,223.66 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary

NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney.

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Courtesy Jeanne Whelan

actors Jeanne Whelan, left, and andrew Bennett and director fred Stroppel will perform the play ‘Love Letters,’ which focuses on the nearly 50-year relationship of two elementary school friends.

We’ve had great people working for us at the U.N.

Every September, the annual opening of the United Nations General Assembly wreaks havoc, confusion and congestion for everyone who must travel to and from Manhattan. I was reminded of this when it took me a half-hour in mid-afternoon to drive the five and a half blocks from the FDR Drive’s 49th Street exit to a parking garage on 48th Street on my way to co-hosting “Cats and Cosby” at the WABC-AM studio.

Arriving at the studio, however, I received no sympathy or compassion from station employees, who told me about their experiences earlier in the day with endless gridlock or being unable to call an Uber or hail a taxi.

All of this made me think back on some of my experiences with the United Nations during my time in Congress and the question of the efficacy of this international body.

The General Assembly is a security nightmare for New York, as world leaders from far and wide descend on Manhattan. They include friends and foes; democratically elected leaders and tyrannical despots; serious players and dilettantes. It

takes carefully coordinated efforts by all levels of law enforcement, including the FBI, the Secret Service and, most significantly, the NYPD, to provide the necessary security and transportation arrangements for all these leaders.

Not surprisingly, the one who generates the most attention is the president of the United States. I have been at General Assembly events for Presidents Clinton, Bush 43 and Trump. No matter how jaded you might become after years in politics and government, and no matter the president’s political party, it is always exhilarating to watch our president on the world stage.

I had significant interactions with several of the American ambassadors to the U.N., beginning with Madeline Albright, in the first Clinton administration. Albright and I developed a friendly relationship from the start, sharing memories of Long Island, where she lived in Garden City during the early years of her marriage.

She was a true foreign policy expert, and I distinctly recall her comparing the successful Irish peace process with the inability to get Balkan leaders to follow that example. My last in-depth meeting with Albright was on a visit to Sarajevo with Clinton in 2015, when we reminisced

about bipartisan foreign policy efforts.

Albright was succeeded by New Mexico Congressman Bill Richardson, who had an international reputation as a hostage negotiator. I got to know Richardson well when we were in Congress together, particularly when we traveled to Ireland, Britain and Israel. Bill combined educational knowledge with solid street smarts to find ways to work through insoluble problems and achieve common-sense results.

My wife, Rosemary, and I have a great memory of when we and our daughter, Erin, had dinner with Bill and his wife, Barbara, at his ambassador’s residence in the Waldorf-Astoria. He went on to become governor of New Mexico, and then continued his work as a hostage negotiator until he died on Sept. 1.

Richard Holbrooke, a career diplomat who served as Clinton’s second-term U.N. ambassador, was a larger-than-life force who took no prisoners. I met Holbrooke when he was ambassador to Germany, and then he was assistant secretary of state for Europe, where I saw up close his efforts to resolve the wars in the Balkans, first in Bosnia and then in Kosovo. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I accompanied him to Sarajevo in 1996 to observe Bosnia’s first free elections.

Holbrooke brought the same energy and drive to the United Nations. He was later appointed special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan by President Obama. Holbrooke died during heart surgery in 2010.

I have great regard for Trump’s first U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley. A former governor of South Carolina, she was a tough, strong and articulate defender of the U.S. at the U.N., unafraid to face down America’s adversaries such as Russia and China. Haley was particularly effective in defending Israel, our strongest ally and the only real democracy in the Middle East, from hypocritical, biased resolutions. I visited her at her U.N. office with my family, and she couldn’t have been more gracious. Haley is currently running for president, and I wish her well. If elected, she would do an outstanding job. Our presidents have appointed very able and dedicated Americans to represent us at the U.N. Unfortunately, while the U.N. has done effective humanitarian work, it has never fulfilled its potential as a force for peace because Russia and China have veto power, and have prevented meaningful action. Nonetheless, our ambassadors have used the U.N. as a forum for defending American values.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

No more delays in distributing opioid settlement funds

With our children back in classrooms and the leaves beginning their autumnal change, the nation is highlighting another vital milestone as we observe September as National Recovery Month.

Since being established in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Recovery Month has become a powerful vehicle for promoting and supporting new treatment and prevention practices, honoring the hard work and courage of Americans in recovery, and recognizing the countless service providers, communities and organizations that make recovery available for all who seek it.

In Nassau County and across the country, the perils posed by the disease of addiction are more severe than I can ever remember. As if the fentanyl crisis wasn’t frightening enough, drugs like “tranq” are adding a new kind of danger. Formally known as xylazine, tranq is an animal

tranquilizer that is increasingly being used as an additive to heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. It’s beginning to appear in drug tests at Nassau County treatment centers, and its effects on users are truly horrific. Worse yet, we’re learning of an emerging group of synthetic opioids that may be even more powerful than fentanyl.

In two major recent drug busts in our region, 30 people were arrested in Suffolk County, and illegal guns, two kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of fentanyl — enough to kill 380,000 people — were seized. A day later, a dozen more people were indicted for their alleged involvement in a South Shore Nassau drug ring. There, three kilograms of cocaine and 430 grams of fentanyl were recovered and confiscated.

All of these disturbing new developments illustrate how high the stakes are in the ever-evolving battle against addiction. Now more than ever, if there is a potentially life-saving resource that we can add to our toolkit, we must avail ourselves of it. That’s why my office was one of the first in Nassau County to begin hosting Narcan training sessions years ago, and I have continued to work closely

with stakeholders since then to expand on these tools.

During this legislative term, my minority caucus colleagues and I have cosponsored legislation that would require the county to add fentanyl-detecting test strips to all Narcan kits that we distribute. A second proposed law would facilitate the distribution of kits that safely destroy and dissolve unwanted prescription drugs at home. While I’m disappointed that the legislative majority hasn’t even held a public hearing on these proposals, I won’t give up in the fight to enact common-sense, low-cost and, most important, potentially life-saving policies.

I also remain concerned about the manner in which the county is distributing tens of millions of dollars that we have received from various settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors and sellers. While significant sums have been earmarked for an array of worthwhile entities that are serving on the front lines of the addiction crisis, we have received little, if any, information from the administration on whether the county has distributed the funds. In fact, our most recent available budget data

shows that only $2.24 million of the $30 million appropriated for the last two years — and nearly $83 million overall — has been delivered. With so many threats on the horizon, it is essential for these resources to be delivered in as expeditious and transparent a manner as possible.

As new proceeds arrive from future settlements, I believe that Nassau County would be well served by using those funds to expand Nassau University Medical Center’s detox and in-patient rehab facilities to ensure that no one is ever prevented from getting treatment for addiction because there isn’t a bed available. Our unique relationship with NUMC offers the county a golden opportunity to establish ourselves as a regional leader in the delivery of recovery opportunities, and it is one we should take full advantage of.

Never forget that people who are in recovery very seldom do it alone — and if you are struggling as you read this, I want you to know that there are people out there who care about you and are eager to extend a helping hand. If you need assistance with substance abuse or a mental health crisis, I encourage you to call the Nassau County Crisis Helpline, at (516) 227-8255, and take that first step toward reclaiming your life.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District.

How about using some of them to fund NUMC’s detox and inpatient rehab?

But traffic, security challenges, and Russia and China work against us.

Deadly Wild West in our backyard d

rive a mere exit or two on any of Long Island’s main thoroughfares, and you are sure to see at least one roadside shrine remembering the victim of a fatal car crash.

These memorials — already too commonplace — will only become more ubiquitous if nothing is done to stem the rising tide of dangerous drivers on these roads. In fact, just last week, Peninsula Boulevard was sadly the site of two separate fatal accidents. On the same day.

We all have seen the tricked-out cars and motorcycles that zig and zag through traffic — exceeding the speed limit in spades — with no concern about repercussions from law enforcement or consequences to the lives of others.

That sickening feeling you get when your heart skips a beat and you thank heaven to be alive because yet another vehicle comes out of nowhere at 100

Letters

mph to cut you off, and then does the same thing to the next car? And the next car? All of us, especially on Long Island, know this feeling all too well.

Reckless (and noisy) drivers — threatening both public safety and community tranquility — are operating with impunity. And they know it.

Their cars are hard to miss with their illegally modified mufflers that can be heard miles away at all hours of the day and night. Illegal license plate covers and fake temporary tags protect their callous disregard for law and order by making it impossible for anyone to catch their plate, including law enforcement tools like speed cameras. And their friends are now sometimes even setting up lawn chairs on the side of the road to watch cars race in broad daylight — missing the irony that a crash victim’s memorial is often just over their shoulders.

More than 75 people lost their lives

Why are holidays missing from school calendar?

To the Editor:

On two occasions, I have hand-delivered letters to North Shore School Superintendent Dr. Chris Zublionis, asking why there is no mention of holidays, days of remembrance or holy days on the school calendar. The only reference is “School Closed,” with the exception of “Superintendents Conference Day.” I’m sure everyone remembers celebrating this day, and, when visiting our nation’s capital, paying a respectful visit to the Tomb of the Unknown School Superintendent! Disgusting.

Boo, hiss to Zublionis from me and from the all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives so the North Shore Board of Education could make this decision. Memorial Day, Veterans Day and others are now distant memories. Why, in Zublionis’s employment agreement with the board, signed April 7, 2022, on Page 5, under item No. 11, titled “Holidays,” does it say that he shall be entitled to the following holidays with pay: Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth and the Fourth of July? The calendar also does not include Patriots Day, which I thought we would never forget. Shameful!

How do Zublionis and board members sleep at night? I’m sure I’ll never know, because for roughly a year and a half he has never had the courtesy to acknowledging my two letters. Guess that wasn’t part of his doctorate curriculum. America, where are we headed?

Trump’s guilty? What about Biden?

To the Editor:

As long as we still have free speech in this country, I would like to address Jerry Kremer’s accusations against Donald Trump in “Sometimes you just may be guilty until proven innocent.” The Democratic Party has put up a strong smoke-

and another 13,000 were injured in nearly 37,000 traffic accidents in our county last year. Those are unacceptable numbers.

It’s difficult to find law enforcement on these central thruways. We need more — not less — patrolling of our roads.

We need more — not less — enforcement of sensible laws already on the books.

We need more — not less — coordination between state and local law enforcement.

And we need more stringent laws and harsher penalties coming out of Albany so that we can make these reckless drivers as scared to continue these dangerous activities as we are to witness them.

We implore all jurisdictions to work together to reign in the scourge of irresponsible, dangerous and selfish drivers. Because even one more roadside shrine is one too many.

screen to avoid the bigger and more important issue of how ineffective Joe Biden has been as leader of our country.

Biden undid everything Trump achieved as an act of spitefulness. He opened the borders, millions of unvetted illegals are here, and the schools are inundated with non-English-speaking children. He shut down the Keystone XL pipeline, many people lost their jobs, and the price of gas soared to over $4 per gallon. He ran out of Afghanistan and gave

STANLEY YOUNG Sea Cliff

To serve its riders, the MTA needs proper governance

the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is, unfortunately, usually in the news for billion-dollar boondoggles. But local issues and corporate governance problems plague the agency that affects the daily lives of so many riders in Nassau County. The MTA needs some corporate governance and a renewed focus on the commuters it serves, and only then will it be able to lead us out of the pandemic era and into a robust recovery.

The MTA is the largest public transit system in America, shuttling over 11 million passengers on an average weekday, covering 14 counties, employing 70,000 people and serving over 850,000 vehicles across seven bridges and two tunnels. Because of its importance to New Yorkers’ livelihoods and the economy, it is critical that it functions efficiently and serves its constituency well.

The agency has certainly hit some big milestones recently, including increased ridership, back to pre-pandemic levels, and registering over 2 million OMNY fare-payment taps in one day. But at the

same time, the MTA is failing my constituents in the 15th Assembly District, as well as the hundreds of thousands of daily LIRR riders across the MTA’s Long Island footprint.

My district stretches along the eastern border of Nassau, from Farmingdale to Locust Valley, a large portion of which is served by the notoriously problemplagued Oyster Bay line. For years, commuters in this area have had to choose between leaving work ridiculously early in order to make it home to their families, or staying at work longer and missing activities at home.

At first, the excitement over the recent East Side Access project was palpable among Oyster Bay line commuters. After years of unreliable service and difficult train schedules, it seemed like more options were finally becoming available. To our dismay, it turned out that, once again, the line will suffer the brunt of bad schedule changes. The few popular peak trains available are now even fewer and farther between, and require changing in Jamaica.

The situation has become so dire that many people are opting to drive to other stations on other lines. This not only defeats the purpose of commuter rail, it

Letters

the Taliban a gift of billions of dollars of equipment to use against us, and left soldiers and civilians to die.

Trump was accused of colluding with Russia, and was exonerated, but where is the outcry? He recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved our embassy from Tel Aviv, as other previous presidents failed to do. He kept North Korea at bay, and kept Putin from invading Ukraine. Now look at the mess we’re in!

As Teddy Roosevelt said, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.”

PAT KINg Merrick

We’re weary of ‘dense housing’ proposals

To the Editor:

Re Alan Singer’s column, “New housing on L.I.? Not in my backyard” (Sept. 7-13): greedy developers and passive local government have resulted in Long Island being bulldozed over for nearly 100 years. Nassau County is now virtually

devoid of open fields, natural woodlands and marshes, and the working farms I remember as a child. Traffic clogs our roadways, and critical aquifers are being depleted. For example, one mega-development, Riverside Rediscovered, in Suffolk County, is being held up due to a lack of sewage capacity.

These are just some of the reasons many are weary of “dense housing” proposals — not because all Long Islanders are inherently racist, as Mr. Singer quickly concludes. It’s true that most low-cost housing is being constructed in Black and Latino locations. It’s also true that those areas have the greatest need for housing of this kind.

Long Islanders are tired of the false choice being foisted upon us by non-residents: giant multi-story structures that no one here wants, or no affordable housing, period. Our residents, elected officials and developers should work together to find forward-looking, creative solutions to our housing crisis that are scaled appropriately. “Build, baby, build” just doesn’t cut it anymore.

ROBERT KENNEY Sea Cliff

also negatively affects small business owners around the Oyster Bay line train stations who are there to serve commuters.

The problems LIRR riders are facing are a direct result of corporate governance failures at the top.

When Phillip Eng retired as LIRR president over a year ago, the MTA announced that MetroNorth Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi would serve as president of both the LIRR and Metro-North. While Rinaldi may be a capable transit executive, the very nature of this dual role divides her focus and allegiance, which is not fair to Metro-North or LIRR customers, especially those who use the Oyster Bay line.

This arrangement would be untenable in any other arena of government, nonprofit or private business, and we need to get a fast and thorough executive search under way now. The fact that ridership is climbing to pre-pandemic levels means we needed a dedicated and focused LIRR president months ago.

But it’s no surprise that this structure isn’t sounding any alarm bells within the MTA. The same problem exists at the very top of the organizational chart. Janno Lieber, the chairman of the MTA,

Framework by Tim Baker

also serves as its chief executive officer. Much like the dual-president role, giving the same person the chairman and CEO powers is an inherent conflict of interest, and runs counter to the transparency and accountability that is supposed to be the bedrock of a public authority.

The private sector has for years now recognized this conflict, and more corporations are splitting the functions of the chairman and CEO. This allows the chair and the board to perform their vital oversight duties, including establishing budgets, ensuring transparency and accountability, engaging in shortand long-term planning, and evaluating executive performance, among other functions, independent of conflict.

These are problems with clear solutions. If the MTA had a better corporate structure, it would be a more transparent, accountable and efficient public authority that serves its customers better. Projects would be delivered closer to on time and on budget, and closer attention would be paid to customers throughout the system.

A clear organizational chart, with dedicated roles and talented executives, including a separate LIRR president, is the first step toward an efficient and responsive MTA. New Yorkers deserve nothing less.

It was a day for the dogs (and their friends) at the Rec Center pool — Freeport

Jake Blumencranz represents the 15th Assembly District.

the agency is failing hundreds of thousands of LIRR riders across the Island.

Jake BLUmenCranZ